Coachella Valley

Nestled between the mesmerizing San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains and Joshua Tree National Park on either side, the Coachella Valley is like no other place on earth. Some might even say it’s magical. Health-seekers, adventurers, artists, and more have flocked here since the early 1900s in search of inspiration, solitude, and serenity. Here, there’s room to breathe and just be, frolicking among the palm oases, hidden waterfalls, and blooming bougainvillea beneath sun-kissed skies.

While our nine cities — Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella — have distinct histories and personalities, all enchant and offer endless ways to chill. Visit the infamous San Andreas Fault and its twisted desert canyons with a sunset Jeep tour. Soak in our healing hot mineral springs, some of the purest in the world. Treat yourself to a blissful spa day at one of our many luxurious resorts and hotels. Tee off at a championship golf course, where the likes of Arnold Palmer, Phil Mickelson, and Tiger Woods have played. Or simply bask in the sun at a secluded poolside retreat. Regardless of where your Greater Palm Springs journey begins, you’re guaranteed to experience that same magic in the air that keeps travelers coming back, time and time again.

Click on the interactive map to learn more about our nine cities and find your oasis.

For a downloadable PDF of the map below, click here.

January in Greater Palm Springs

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GREATER PALM SPRINGS

nine cities. one oasis. endless experiences.

Regions of Greater Palm Springs

The Coachella Valley, framed by stunning mountains and endless sunshine, is more than just the famed old Hollywood retreat of Palm Springs. Nine cities stretch across this desert region to form Greater Palm Springs, each with its own unique vibe.

Get to know the cities and regions close to Palm Springs in this handy guide!

Palm Springs

Modernism Week October 2025_Xochitl

The region’s namesake city is a hub for mid-century modern architecture, and enthusiasts won’t want to miss iconic sites like the Kaufmann Desert House or the Frey House II. These houses embody the sleek modernist style that put Palm Springs on the design map. To see more architectural gems and award-winning design, plan your visit during Modernism Week, which takes over the city each year in February and October.

Year-round, you can get your art and culture fix by strolling Palm Canyon Drive for boutiques and galleries or visiting the remarkable collection at the Palm Springs Art Museum. Next, take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to Mount San Jacinto to witness the astonishing palms-to-pines phenomenon.

Cathedral City

Hot Air Balloon Launch 2022

For a relaxed vibe, check out Cathedral City. The annual Hot Air Balloon Festival is a big hit with families, as kids love seeing the colorful balloons float away against the desert sky.

Rancho Mirage

The River at Rancho Mirage

Known as the “playground of presidents,” Rancho Mirage exudes sophistication. Visitors can tee off at immaculate golf courses or indulge at luxury resorts like The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage. Shop and dine at The River, Rancho Mirage’s premier entertainment destination. Then, dive into Coachella Valley history by spending an afternoon at the Sunnylands Estate, which offers tours of historic gardens and art collections once frequented by global dignitaries.

Palm Desert

Shopping at the Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert. Located in the center of the El Paseo shopping district, the shopping center features trendy, upscale, unique-to-market tenants in an outdoor, garden setting.

Stroll down Palm Desert’s El Paseo. Often called the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert,” this street is lined with high-end boutiques and art galleries. Between shopping, take your pick of several dining options. The city is also home to the McCallum Theatre for performing arts and the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Nearby, hiking in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains provides a more rugged balance to Palm Desert’s sleek facades.

Indian Wells

Indian Wells Tennis Garden

Beyond spa retreats and golf courses, Indian Wells is known for hosting the BNP Paribas Open, one of the biggest tennis tournaments outside of the Grand Slams. Year-round, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden welcomes players and fans alike. Nearby desert resorts offer fine dining and poolside experiences for top notch relaxation.

La Quinta

PGA WEST, a golf resort that is home to nine iconic golf courses designed by the game's greatest visionaries. Recognized for more than three decades as the "Western Home of Golf in America."

La Quinta, nestled between stunning mountain peaks, boasts beautiful Spanish Revival architecture in the valley. The Cove to Lake Trail and Bear Creek Nature Trail are popular destinations for hiking and biking. Golfers will also enjoy this destination with a cluster of world-class golf courses at PGA West.

Indio

Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival

Every spring, Indio’s Empire Polo Club hosts the world-famous Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach Country Music Festival, drawing crowds from all over the world. Learn about Indio’s rich agricultural roots at the Riverside County Fair & Date Festival, where you can sample the valley’s famed dates and explore a growing foodie scene.

Coachella

Coachella Walls

Beyond lending its name to one of the world’s most famous music festivals, the city of Coachella has a history of its own. Its downtown is home to the Coachella Walls, whose large-scale murals reflect the region’s Hispanic heritage and community pride. Food is a highlight in this culture-rich town. Long-standing favorites like Jalisco Restaurant serve authentic Mexican dishes, and family-run bakery Las Tres Conchitas offers fresh, handmade pan dulce.

Desert Hot Springs

Woman in hot springs pool at Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs, California

To the north, Desert Hot Springs is a quiet place for healing and relaxation. Built atop a vast aquifer of natural hot and cold mineral springs, the city is dotted with boutique spas and resorts where visitors can spend the day soaking in therapeutic waters. It’s also a gateway to the stark beauty of Joshua Tree National Park, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.

Get to know these desert escapes even better through our interactive map of the area!